KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, March 17 (Reuters) - Several Afghan civilians were wounded on Saturday when the Taliban launched a rocket attack on NATO troops in the southern province of Kandahar, residents and a military spokeswoman said.

The Taliban have stepped up operations in their old heartland ahead of an anticipated spring offensive against government and Western forces. NATO and Afghan troops last week launched their biggest operation so far to pre-empt the rebels.

"The military vehicle is still burning, smoke is rising from it," Gul Ahmad, a witness, told Reuters. "There are casualties but I can't say how many."

NATO spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Angela Billings confirmed the attack but said there were no military casualties. "However, we know that some locals were wounded," she added.

Last year saw the worst violence in Afghanistan since U.S.-led forces ousted the Taliban from power in late 2001. Fighting is expected to be heavy in 2007 as the rebels have announced they have prepared thousands of suicide bombers.

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